My Kids Ask for Toys All the Time. Here's How I've Stopped the Tantrums When I Say No

In 2022, consumers in the U.S. spent an estimated $29.2 billion on toys. If my two children had their way, that would have been $39.2 billion. Based on my conservative estimate, they asked for around $10 billion in toys during the year.

Although I never realized it until I was a parent, toys can be found just about everywhere, and almost always at toddler eye level. Even the hardware store has Matchbox cars on sale, not to mention the candy and toys at the grocery store.

Unfortunately, this wise marketing works very well on my kids, and if I gave in every time they requested something, there would be no money left in my bank account. Of course, I tend to say no more than I say yes since I don't want to end up in credit card debt or have to buy a bigger house just to accommodate my daughter's doll collection.

The problem is, this used to lead to a lot of protesting and even an occasional tantrum. Since my kids are 4 and almost 2, reasoning with them doesn't always work to avoid the theatrics, but I have found a simple way to get them to just move on happily instead of fighting for their desired item.

Hopefully, my approach can help other parents deal with this tricky situation as well.

This is how we handle requests for toys in our household

Several months ago, I decided to try a different tactic rather than just saying no when my kids asked for a specific toy. Instead, I now offer to take a picture of the item and add it to their "wish list."

They get to hold up the toy that has captured their attention, I snap a photo and show it to them, and I tell them that I'm keeping the picture in a special album on my phone. They can look through it and pick a toy when it comes time to buy one as a treat, and I'm able to refer back to the album when holidays and birthdays come around for gift ideas.

Once my kids get to hold the item and take a picture of it, they no longer have a fit when they have to put it back on the shelf -- especially since they're aware there's a very real chance they may end up getting the item later. The picture-taking serves two purposes -- it distracts them as they pose for the shot and look it over, and it helps them to feel like their request has been heard.

Thinking outside the box as a parent helps me keep my toy spending down

The reality is, kids are expensive enough without feeling like you have to give in and buy toys to avoid a meltdown at the end of a busy day. Techniques like this one have made all the difference in helping me avoid unnecessary buys, and you can try them out yourself too.

Hopefully, they will also enable you to get your littles to happily put the toy back on the shelf while making sure you spend meaningfully on toys they want -- but only at times that make sense for your family and your budget.